Renewables, Workers Comp & Early Birds

U.S. Should Learn from Germany's Renewable Energy Mistakes: Congressman Ben Ray Lujan thinks increased use of renewable energy would be good for the U.S. Germany, who has tried to be a leader in renewable energy has strong reality warnings for the U.S. regarding this subject. Germany has been through this and found many unintended consequences that are now causing them to change directions. Read more: U.S. Should Learn from Germany's Renewable Energy Mistakes

Environmentalists eager to take on PNM over plans for coal-fired power plant: PNM will be closing two of its four units at San Juan generating station. To make up for the lost power, they have proposed extra production for these two units. This proposal faces opposition from various groups for several different reasons; early estimates for the original plan estimated an increase on the average customer's bill by $90 a year. Environmentalists in the state are pushing to shut down a third unit of the coal plant and make up for any lost production with renewable energy. There is no estimate for how much more this will increase residential and business utility bills. A hearing is set for October to discuss the new plans. Read more: San Juan Battle Lines Drawn

Workers Comp Changes? New Mexico courts are significantly altering the New Mexico workers’ compensation system by putting forth new rulings that over-ride the 1990 reform. Changing the workers comp system will result in added costs for employers. Read more: Rulings Endanger Workers Comp Reform